Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Like all Aboriginal people of the NWT, the people of Kakisa have fished for generations. Kakisa was established in 1962 when the Dene living at Tathlina Lake moved to the east side of Kakisa Lake to be close to the Mackenzie Highway.
Fishing is integral to their way of life. In late 2012, Noda Enterprises, the business arm of Ka’a’gee Tu First Nation, opened a fish plant in Kakisa. This basic fish processing and holding facility allows local fishermen to prepare pickerel for sale in the region as an alternative to selling to the Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation.
In 2011 and 2012, the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment made valuable contributions to the establishment of a fish plant through a funding arrangement that has now become the Northern Food Development Program.
There’s an increasing demand for fresh fish. The Northwest Territories has some of the highest quality fish in the country. It is a popular menu item at local restaurants. MLAs have long waited to see fish served in seniors homes, hospitals and other facilities. Operations like the Kakisa fish plant is an important step towards developing local and regional markets.
It would be good for the community if the fish plant in Kakisa could stay open longer and serve more customers. Commercial fishery is a priority in the implementation of the Economic Opportunities Strategy. I support the government’s initiative to increase commercial fishing and want to see benefits extend throughout the Northwest Territories. We need to encourage people to work in the local fishing industry.
The fish plant in Kakisa is an example of how communities can work using traditional skills and a renewable resource. I encourage the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment to work closely with fishermen and all interested communities to ensure the best use of public funds and help the commercial fishing industry in the NWT reach its potential. Mahsi, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Mr. Nadli. The honourable Member for Mackenzie Delta, Mr. Blake.
